If New York State Assembly member Linda Rosenthal, a Democrat, and State Senator Joseph Griffo, a Republican, have their way, New York could become the first state to ban the declawing of cats. The procedure is illegal in most European countries, and carries a yearlong prison sentence, or a $20,000 fine in Israel. Veterinarians in New York oppose the bill, saying that the decision should be left to pet owners and medical professionals.